Sexual identity is a life long process of discovering and celebrating your sexual orientation. Today, the sexuality spectrum contains a variety of sexual orientations. Students can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or questioning. Sexual identity is an important piece of an individual’s overall health and learning to celebrate one’s sexual identity is an important part of becoming a mature adult.

I Am More Video

RMU Resources

Free and confidential counseling services are available for students who are questioning or struggling with their sexual identity. To set up a meeting, contact the Counseling Center at (412) 397-5900, email counseling@rmu.edu, or stop by.

RMU has a few student groups focused on understanding and celebrating sexual identity. Contact the Director of Multicultural Student Services at (412) 397-6488 to get more information about student groups.

Some faculty and staff have been trained to work with students who want to talk about their sexual identity. Look for the Safe Place decal on the door or window of the office and you will know that staff person has been trained to provide a safe space for you to talk.

“The mission of the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is to be a vigilant catalyst for change that produces increased opportunities and a high quality of life for the LGBT community in Western Pennsylvania.”

"The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh (GLCC) provides gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, their families and supporters in Western Pennsylvania with resources and opportunities to promote visibility, understanding, and equality within the LGBT communities and the community at large. The GLCC will work toward these goals through education, social support, networking, and advocacy."

"GLSEN Pittsburgh leads the way in the movement to create safe school environments for LGBT students by providing effective programming aimed at changing the school environment with the help of educators, administrators, students, and parents. [...] We serve K-12 schools throughout the 11 counties of southwest Pennsylvania creating a network of supported, educated, and knowledgeable individuals within the school community."

National Supportive Resources

The Trevor Project866-488-7386 - 24/7 supportSuicide Prevention Lifeline
Text and chat support also available (see website for details)
Secure social networking for LGBTQ youthIt Gets Better Project"The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better."We Happy Trans*"A place for sharing positive trans* perspectives."

National Center for Transgender Equality"For over a decade, NCTE has been at the forefront of changing laws, policies and society to improve the lives of transgender Americans. From our early beginnings educating Hill staff about who we are, to the milestone inclusion of transgender people in the president's State of the Union speech a decade later, and to the dozens of policy wins that lined the pathway in between--NCTE has been a strategic force in our movement toward equality."

Sylvia Rivera Law Project"The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence."

Learn More About Gender and Sexual Identity

Gender Blenders - You Tube Gender Blenders is a channel of gender variant individuals that share their experiences and opinions on topics selected by them and their viewers.Gender Spectrum"In a simple, straightforward manner, we provide consultation, training and events designed to help families, educators, professionals, and organizations understand and address the concepts of gender identity and expression. Our accessible, practical approach is based on research and experience, enabling our clients to gain a deeper understanding of gender all along the spectrum. We present an overview of how society currently defines gender and how these restrictive definitions can be detrimental to those who do not fit neatly into these categories. We then help you identify and remove the obstacles so all are free to be their authentic selves."It's Pronounced Metrosexual"A comedy show and online resource about snap judgments, identity, and oppression. It’s a site where advocates of social justice can find helpful articles, fun graphics, and other resources designed to be shared in an effort to advance social equity. The show is performed by Sam Killerman at colleges and universities."